lead. ‘Chizzy’ then found an eleven dart leg to keep the match alive, but it was the Dutchman who progressed as he secured the next leg to claim a 16-11 victory with a 14-darter. “I’m very happy to be in the semi-finals and pleased with my performance,” said van Gerwen. “I didn’t have a great start to the game and I wasn’t as focused as normal, but I came through it well.” “My doubles were great and I hit lots of 180s, but
incidentally falls out of the top four for the first time in six years following the defeat. ‘The Power’ was awesome during the early stages of the match, he was averaging over 117 as he raced into a 5-1 lead, and a fourteen darter allowed him to extend the lead further at 6-1. Wade began to fight back however and finishes of 56, with Taylor sat on a double and 124 on the bull allowed the Aldershot based thrower to reduce the deficit to two legs at 6-8.
I didn’t think I played as well as the stats say, so I want to improve on that in the semi-finals.” “Adrian’s a great player and he’s won the last two games we’ve had, but I want to put that right on Saturday. I’m doing very well and I can make it very difficult for him.” “We’re both playing well, we like each other’s pace and it will be an exciting game. To have the best four players in the world in the semi-finals is brilliant and it promises to be amazing.” Chisnall admitted: “I think I played quite well, but I let Michael in too much.” “I could have gone 7-3 up but I missed doubles and all of a sudden it was five-all, and that starts to play on your mind a bit. I gave him loads of chances and you can’t afford to do that.” “I’m happy with reaching the quarter finals and my last two games were really good. I feel confident, I’m happy with my form and hopefully I can take that into the rest of the year.” The pair traded t h e next four l e g s , before Wade landed double twelve to secure a break of throw in the nineteenth leg. The former World Matchplay winner then held his nerve and held his throw to level the match up at 10-10. As is often the case however Taylor found another gear when he was pushed, and although Wade kept in touch at 11-11 it was only a matter of time before an in form Taylor began to pull away. The sixteen time World Champion went on to secure six of the next seven legs to end the match with an impressive 107.61 average. “James came back really well and made it very tough for me,” said Taylor. “I could have gone 8-0 up but then I started missing doubles and it was playing
Semi Finals
Phil Taylor booked his place in the final with a 17-12 victory over World number four James Wade, who